Hospice-Veteran Partnership Toolkit : 2. Forming a Steering Committee : Sample Memo to VISNs

Sample Memos to VISNs

NOTE: When seeking support from a VISN, you should send a memo through one of your HVP's VA partners. Be sure to also enclose the official VA memo that explains the National HVP program and encourages VISNs to participate. A copy of that memo in pdf format is included later in this section.

MEMORANDUM

Date: [DATE]

From: [NAME OF VA REPRESENTATIVE FROM HVP]

Subject: Hospice-Veteran Partnership of [STATE/REGION]

To: [NAME], Director, VISN [#]

Thru: [NAME], Director, [NAME OF VA FACILITY]

Thru: [NAME], Chief of Staff, [NAME OF VA FACILITY]

  1. I am pleased to inform you about the creation of the Hospice-Veteran Partnership (HVP) of [STATE/REGION]. This coalition of VA and non-VA providers will work to improve care for seriously ill and dying veterans in VISNs [#(s)].
  2. Key to the success of our HVP is support from your VISN in two specific areas:
    • We are in the process of establishing a steering committee and are requesting a representative from your office. The time commitment should not exceed three hours a month and much of the work will be done through periodic conference calls. VISN representation and coordination are essential for the success of this exciting and important venture.
    • As our HVP develops, we will be planning outreach campaigns and education events. We would appreciate any assistance you might be able to offer in identifying sources of funding or other resources.
  3. For more information about the HVP program, please refer to the attached memorandum dated December 18, 2002, that was sent to all VISN directors from the Geriatrics and Extended Care Strategic Healthcare Group in the Office of Patient Care Services. A national program of the VA Hospice and Palliative Care Initiative, HVP is supported by the Office of Geriatrics and Extended Care, the Office of Academic Affiliations, and the Office of Employee Education. If you have any questions about this initiative, please feel free to contact me at [PHONE NUMBER] or [E-MAIL].

[NAME, PROFESSIONAL DEGREES]

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This toolkit is provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs National Hospice-Veteran Partnership (HVP) Program. Development of the toolkit was made possible through support by Rallying Points, the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, the Center for Advanced Illness Coordinated Care, and other end-of-life care advocates. Information about VAHPC initiatives is made available for use within the Inter-Institutional Collaborating Network on End-of-life Care (IICN) with the assistance of Growth House, Inc.